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Mountain Lodge Mystery #1
Getaway With Murder
Getaway With Murder is the first in a cozy series from Diane Kelly set in a lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where secrets hide behind every hill.
As if hitting the half-century mark wasn’t enough, Misty Murphy celebrated her landmark birthday by amicably ending her marriage and investing her settlement in a dilapidated mountain lodge at the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With the old inn teetering on both a bluff and bankruptcy, she must have lost her ever-loving mind.
Luckily, handyman Rocky Crowder has a knack for rehabbing virtual ruins and for doing it on a dime, and to Misty’s delight, the lodge is fully booked on opening night, every room filled with flexible folks who’d slipped into spandex and ascended the peak for a yoga retreat with plans to namastay for a full week. Misty and her guests are feeling zen―at least until the yoga instructor is found dead.
With a killer on the loose and the lodge’s reputation hanging in the balance, Misty must put her detective-skills to the test. Only one thing is as clear as a sunny mountain morning―she must solve the crime before the lodge ends up, once again, on the brink.
As if hitting the half-century mark wasn’t enough, Misty Murphy celebrated her landmark birthday by amicably ending her marriage and investing her settlement in a dilapidated mountain lodge at the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With the old inn teetering on both a bluff and bankruptcy, she must have lost her ever-loving mind.
Luckily, handyman Rocky Crowder has a knack for rehabbing virtual ruins and for doing it on a dime, and to Misty’s delight, the lodge is fully booked on opening night, every room filled with flexible folks who’d slipped into spandex and ascended the peak for a yoga retreat with plans to namastay for a full week. Misty and her guests are feeling zen―at least until the yoga instructor is found dead.
With a killer on the loose and the lodge’s reputation hanging in the balance, Misty must put her detective-skills to the test. Only one thing is as clear as a sunny mountain morning―she must solve the crime before the lodge ends up, once again, on the brink.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2021
113 people are currently reading
5670 people want to read
About the author
Diane Kelly
69 books1,227 followersAward-winning author Diane Kelly writes romance and romantic mysteries featuring feisty heroines, quirky sidekicks, and sexy leading men, with humor that leaves readers laughing out loud.
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September 19, 2021
Getaway with Murder
by Diane Kelly brings plenty of mystery, atmosphere, and secrets to the first book in her new cozy mystery series. The Mountain Lodge Mystery features 50 year-old Misty Murphy who has just signed her divorce papers and purchases a mountain lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwestern North Carolina. The inn is old and needs some work and handyman Rocky Crowder comes highly recommended. Opening day brings a full house of guests with a group from a yoga studio and spa. Unfortunately, the peaceful feelings don’t last long when a yoga instructor is found dead. The story is mainly told from Misty’s point of view, but there are a few chapters interspersed with thoughts from her cat, Baroness Blizzard also known as Yeti. While Yeti’s chapters aren’t necessary, they provide some humor and I enjoyed them.
Misty is independent, resourceful, organized, and good with people. She quickly starts to make friends, but is worried about bad reviews with the events occurring at the lodge. Will she make a success of the lodge or go bankrupt? Rocky, the handyman, Brynn, her assistant, and diner owner Patty play pivotal roles as secondary characters and the yoga guests are a mixed group of personalities to lend a sense of realism.
The setting was perfect for this novel and Ms. Kelly does a great job of transporting readers to the mountains of North Carolina. The winding roads, the trail descriptions, and even the southern foods were authentic. There are a few plot twists along the way along with plenty of suspects. The dialogue and pacing were on target. The characters and humor enhance it with both relatable characters like Misty and Rocky and obnoxious ones like the yoga studio owner and a bit of everything else in between. I also liked the fact that Misty worked with the police rather than hiding her sleuthing activities.
I was immediately drawn into the Misty’s life and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the development of friendships. Themes include murder, relationships, friendship, family, life’s curveballs, and starting a new business.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was suspenseful, engaging, and atmospheric. In both of the books I have read by this author, I had a connection with the writing style that I found relatable, vivid, and irresistible. I can’t wait to find out what happens during the next book in the series. I recommend this to those that like cozy mysteries with a more mature main character.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Paperbacks and Diane Kelly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently expected to be October 26, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Misty is independent, resourceful, organized, and good with people. She quickly starts to make friends, but is worried about bad reviews with the events occurring at the lodge. Will she make a success of the lodge or go bankrupt? Rocky, the handyman, Brynn, her assistant, and diner owner Patty play pivotal roles as secondary characters and the yoga guests are a mixed group of personalities to lend a sense of realism.
The setting was perfect for this novel and Ms. Kelly does a great job of transporting readers to the mountains of North Carolina. The winding roads, the trail descriptions, and even the southern foods were authentic. There are a few plot twists along the way along with plenty of suspects. The dialogue and pacing were on target. The characters and humor enhance it with both relatable characters like Misty and Rocky and obnoxious ones like the yoga studio owner and a bit of everything else in between. I also liked the fact that Misty worked with the police rather than hiding her sleuthing activities.
I was immediately drawn into the Misty’s life and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the development of friendships. Themes include murder, relationships, friendship, family, life’s curveballs, and starting a new business.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was suspenseful, engaging, and atmospheric. In both of the books I have read by this author, I had a connection with the writing style that I found relatable, vivid, and irresistible. I can’t wait to find out what happens during the next book in the series. I recommend this to those that like cozy mysteries with a more mature main character.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Paperbacks and Diane Kelly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently expected to be October 26, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
September 2, 2021
Getaway With Murder is the first book in Diane Kelly's Mountain Lodge Mystery series. I thought this was a delightful read and a strong start to a new series. I enjoyed getting to know Misty. I thought she was very genuine and level-headed. Misty is starting over after a divorce by purchasing an old mountain lodge at the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I loved the setting and the cozy atmosphere at the lodge. The cast of characters includes hunky handyman Rocky, Wiccan housekeeper Brynn, and diner owner Patty. I really liked these characters and look forward to seeing how Misty's relationship with them will continue to develop.
I thought the mystery was solid. Misty's first group of guests are on a yoga retreat. When the yoga instructor is found dead, there are plenty of suspects to choose from and Misty is determined to get to the bottom of things.
I can't wait to read the second book in the series. I think I'm going to love this series even more than the author's House- Flipper series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the mystery was solid. Misty's first group of guests are on a yoga retreat. When the yoga instructor is found dead, there are plenty of suspects to choose from and Misty is determined to get to the bottom of things.
I can't wait to read the second book in the series. I think I'm going to love this series even more than the author's House- Flipper series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2021
Getaway With Murder by Diane Kelly is the first book in the new cozy Mountain Lodge Mystery series. Each book of this series will contain it’s own fully solved mystery so they can be enjoyed as a standalone novel if choosing to do so but of course the character development will carry over for those who choose to continue the series.
Just as Misty Murphy is turning fifty she finds herself completely changing her life. Now that Misty’s children have left home she and her husband have decided to end their marriage finding themselves to be complete opposites. One thing that always made Misty the happiest was traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains so she decided to move there permanently and bought an old inn she was familiar with from her visits.
As Misty arrives at her new lodge she finds it a bit more run down than she remembered and knows her first task will be hiring someone for repairs. In the middle of estimates that don’t suite her requests Misty meets handyman Rocky Crowder and hires him to help. As the lodge opens Misty and Rocky find themselves catering to their new guests but when one guest is found dead under the new deck they then turn to discovering who among them could be a murderer.
I actually really enjoyed this opener to the Mountain Lodge Mystery series and getting to know this set of new characters. The Mountain Lodge made a wonderful remote setting that had all the small town charm I love in cozy mysteries. This opener had a great locked door mystery that had me on my toes wanting to solve it right along with Misty and her staff. After this first book I will definitely be excited to return to the series in the future and will keep an eye out for book two.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Just as Misty Murphy is turning fifty she finds herself completely changing her life. Now that Misty’s children have left home she and her husband have decided to end their marriage finding themselves to be complete opposites. One thing that always made Misty the happiest was traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains so she decided to move there permanently and bought an old inn she was familiar with from her visits.
As Misty arrives at her new lodge she finds it a bit more run down than she remembered and knows her first task will be hiring someone for repairs. In the middle of estimates that don’t suite her requests Misty meets handyman Rocky Crowder and hires him to help. As the lodge opens Misty and Rocky find themselves catering to their new guests but when one guest is found dead under the new deck they then turn to discovering who among them could be a murderer.
I actually really enjoyed this opener to the Mountain Lodge Mystery series and getting to know this set of new characters. The Mountain Lodge made a wonderful remote setting that had all the small town charm I love in cozy mysteries. This opener had a great locked door mystery that had me on my toes wanting to solve it right along with Misty and her staff. After this first book I will definitely be excited to return to the series in the future and will keep an eye out for book two.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 26, 2022
Diane Kelly was so generous in posting me a bundle of goodies with a signed copy of her book all the way from North Carolina - to Australia! I felt so spoilt – and it arrived the day before another package from The States. I consider myself to be a very lucky reader, and what beats snail mail?
I have not read a cosy mystery; would I be mistaken for calling them a wholesome type of story? Also, a nice change was the age of the female protagonist, Misty had just turned 50, fresh off divorce she purchased a cabin where she had previously holidayed and enjoyed doing this up while Misty the feline kept her company. She was a good project manager, and this all came together quickly and effectively with the help of friendly and affable Rocky along with his trusty canine companion Molasses. A very tame testing of the waters in some possible flirtation, this was done nicely.
The first paying customers were a yoga group on a retreat, things were going nicely, Misty and her faithful, if not slightly eccentric housekeeper Brynn had a good working relationship and Misty’s dream of running a successful business were coming true. There was even a feisty Nascar driver who could have been good free advertising on his socials had he ever got the name of the lodge right! But this luck didn’t continue as the spiteful owner was found dead, under Rocky’s new deck of all things!
This was wholesome easy reading, with lots of ideas and sleuthing from Misty. I didn’t guess the killer as I was kept busy with all of this detective work from Misty.
The names were fun, they suited the environment, and the Greasy Griddle across the road was a cute edition as well. With many thanks to Diane, and my friend Kerrin who featured real life pictures on her blog on the areas which this book is set which led me to hearing about this series. It was a fun cosy ride.
I have not read a cosy mystery; would I be mistaken for calling them a wholesome type of story? Also, a nice change was the age of the female protagonist, Misty had just turned 50, fresh off divorce she purchased a cabin where she had previously holidayed and enjoyed doing this up while Misty the feline kept her company. She was a good project manager, and this all came together quickly and effectively with the help of friendly and affable Rocky along with his trusty canine companion Molasses. A very tame testing of the waters in some possible flirtation, this was done nicely.
The first paying customers were a yoga group on a retreat, things were going nicely, Misty and her faithful, if not slightly eccentric housekeeper Brynn had a good working relationship and Misty’s dream of running a successful business were coming true. There was even a feisty Nascar driver who could have been good free advertising on his socials had he ever got the name of the lodge right! But this luck didn’t continue as the spiteful owner was found dead, under Rocky’s new deck of all things!
This was wholesome easy reading, with lots of ideas and sleuthing from Misty. I didn’t guess the killer as I was kept busy with all of this detective work from Misty.
The names were fun, they suited the environment, and the Greasy Griddle across the road was a cute edition as well. With many thanks to Diane, and my friend Kerrin who featured real life pictures on her blog on the areas which this book is set which led me to hearing about this series. It was a fun cosy ride.
August 20, 2021
Getaway With Murder is a light and fun read. I really enjoyed it and found it very entertaining. The main characters were perfect for the story line. Misty Murphy, new owner of the lodge, Patty, the owner of The Greasy Griddle, Rocky Crowder, a handyman and Lodge's maintenance man and Brynn O'Reilly hired as her housekeeper and manager. The supporting characters add the little extra to round out the story. Misty has just bought a mountain lodge called Riverview Inn that she had fond memories of when she was a child. She finds that the lodge has some major damage and needs repair.. Across the street is a diner called The Greasy Griddle owned by a woman named Patty. In the diner she meets a handy man named Rocky Crowder who she gets to work on her lodge. She hires a woman named Bryn O'Reilly to work along side of her. After the repairs the lodge whose new name is Mountaintop Lodge is ready for guests. After advertising she gets her first guests who are looking for a retreat a yoga and meditation company called Third Eye Studio and Spa, They arrive by bus and this is where the story gets interesting. When Sasha Ducharme-Carlisle, the owner of the company is murdered it is up to Misty and her friends to find out who murdered her and why. The reader is left guessing until the end of the story.
The next group who rent the lodge are a ladies motorcycle club called the Dangerous Curves. They plan to come to the mountains to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway and other scenic routes.
I look forward to enjoying more of this story as a series and to see what Misty and her friends get into. Also where the relationship between Misty and Rocky goes.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC
The next group who rent the lodge are a ladies motorcycle club called the Dangerous Curves. They plan to come to the mountains to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway and other scenic routes.
I look forward to enjoying more of this story as a series and to see what Misty and her friends get into. Also where the relationship between Misty and Rocky goes.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC
October 22, 2021
A new cozy mystery series by Diane Kelly gets off to a great start. It's set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina and features Misty Murphy, fifty, newly divorced, and the new owner of a mountaintop lodge. She arrives with her cat Baroness Blizzard, aka Yeti, and almost immediately discovers that the lodge needs some structural work. Her first hire then is a handsome handyman named Rocky Crowder who has both the skills needed and some great ideas--plus a big furry dog named Molasses. Rocky strikes a deal with Misty to be her live-in maintenance man.
Her next hire is a woman named Brynn O'Reilly who will be her assistant. Brynn is also a practicing Wiccan and one of her first acts on the job is to perform a purifying smudging ritual with burning sage to clear any bad vibes from inside the lodge.
Knowing guests will expect breakfast, Misty makes an arrangement with Patty, the owner of the Greasy Griddle across the street, to cater breakfast for Misty's guests.
Now Mountaintop Lodge is all set to open and they get their first booking--a yoga retreat for 18 people during the first week in September! On the day planned, a chartered bus arrives to drop the guests off and first off the bus is the organizer, Sasha, a 30-year-old woman who looks like a porcelain doll. She is the owner of the yoga studio named Third Eye and seems to be rather demanding, not at all what you'd expect from a practitioner of yoga and meditation.
After everyone is assigned rooms, two more people join the group of lodge guests--a newly-married couple on their honeymoon who have been hiking the Appalachian trail and could use a much needed break, a decent meal or two...and a shower.
All seems to be working out well until the morning the body of one of the guests is spotted under the lodge's newly built deck. It's definitely a case of murder so no one can leave until the crime has been solved. But wait! The two hikers left that morning before anyone else was up! Were they fleeing?
I so enjoyed spending some time in this Blue Ridge mountain setting, one of my favorite places to vacation. Each chapter opens with a lovely quote about communing with nature from one of the great naturalists and philosophers, like Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Muir, and others. An interesting cast of characters rounds out the story told from Misty's first person pov, with Yeti chiming in with her own opinions in chapters from time to time. The crime itself is puzzling and the final solution, satisfying. Sending appreciative kudos for the cover art as well.
So who's booking the lodge next? A ladies' motorcycle club from Raleigh who call themselves the Dangerous Curves. Can't wait to see what trouble the biker chicks will get up to!
I received an arc of this new cozy mystery from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity. I will definitely look forward to reading more in this series.
Her next hire is a woman named Brynn O'Reilly who will be her assistant. Brynn is also a practicing Wiccan and one of her first acts on the job is to perform a purifying smudging ritual with burning sage to clear any bad vibes from inside the lodge.
Knowing guests will expect breakfast, Misty makes an arrangement with Patty, the owner of the Greasy Griddle across the street, to cater breakfast for Misty's guests.
Now Mountaintop Lodge is all set to open and they get their first booking--a yoga retreat for 18 people during the first week in September! On the day planned, a chartered bus arrives to drop the guests off and first off the bus is the organizer, Sasha, a 30-year-old woman who looks like a porcelain doll. She is the owner of the yoga studio named Third Eye and seems to be rather demanding, not at all what you'd expect from a practitioner of yoga and meditation.
After everyone is assigned rooms, two more people join the group of lodge guests--a newly-married couple on their honeymoon who have been hiking the Appalachian trail and could use a much needed break, a decent meal or two...and a shower.
All seems to be working out well until the morning the body of one of the guests is spotted under the lodge's newly built deck. It's definitely a case of murder so no one can leave until the crime has been solved. But wait! The two hikers left that morning before anyone else was up! Were they fleeing?
I so enjoyed spending some time in this Blue Ridge mountain setting, one of my favorite places to vacation. Each chapter opens with a lovely quote about communing with nature from one of the great naturalists and philosophers, like Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Muir, and others. An interesting cast of characters rounds out the story told from Misty's first person pov, with Yeti chiming in with her own opinions in chapters from time to time. The crime itself is puzzling and the final solution, satisfying. Sending appreciative kudos for the cover art as well.
So who's booking the lodge next? A ladies' motorcycle club from Raleigh who call themselves the Dangerous Curves. Can't wait to see what trouble the biker chicks will get up to!
I received an arc of this new cozy mystery from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity. I will definitely look forward to reading more in this series.
June 10, 2023
I thought this was a fantastic cozy mystery. I enjoyed the protagonist, Misty Murphy, who bought and re-opened The Mountain Lodge in North Carolina. The mountain scenery described is lovely with autumn foliage. The murder mystery is a great one, and the author does an excellent job of taking each suspect and breaking down why they could have dunnit, and then sorting out why they didn’t. The Lodge itself is cozy and inviting, and I liked Misty’s helpers, Brynn and Rocky. Misty’s cat, Yeti, is a cutie. The main cast of characters is appealing, and I look forward to visiting them again in book two. I highly recommend this cozy series.
November 23, 2021
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January 26, 2022
Getaway With Murder is the first book in Diane Kelly’s new series, Mountain Lodge. Recently divorced Misty Murphy has invested in a lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The place needs work, but she finds a handyman who can get it done quickly. Her first booking is a group of guests on a yoga retreat. Everything seems to be coming together, until the yoga instructor is killed. Misty wants to solve the case, so her new investment doesn’t suffer any more.
I have read other books by Diane Kelly, including her Paw Enforcement and House-Flipper mystery series. Since I have enjoyed both of those series, I was happy to see a new series available. As expected, I found Getaway With Murder to be a charming book with likable characters and a lovely setting.
Getaway With Murder is a delightful cozy mystery. The characters are relatable, and the story is fun. I look forward to reading more of this series.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have read other books by Diane Kelly, including her Paw Enforcement and House-Flipper mystery series. Since I have enjoyed both of those series, I was happy to see a new series available. As expected, I found Getaway With Murder to be a charming book with likable characters and a lovely setting.
Getaway With Murder is a delightful cozy mystery. The characters are relatable, and the story is fun. I look forward to reading more of this series.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2021
Author Diane Kelly has quite a few cozy mysteries under her belt and Getaway With Murder is the first book in a new series set in a mountain lodge in North Carolina.
Fifty-year-old Misty Murphy has just sent her two boys off to university, amicably divorced her husband and purchased a mountain lodge to start a new chapter in her life. But life doesn't always work out the way we want and during the stay of Misty's first group of guests a yoga instructor is found dead.
Misty is a likable person and I enjoyed seeing a middle-aged woman as the main character! But as a woman who is approaching her 50's myself, I felt Misty was written to be overly naïve and behaved and spoke much older than 50. The reader gets to know Misty well as she putters around the lodge and because we spend a lot of time in her head as she goes over and over and over the facts of the case. The other POV of the story were short chapters from Misty's cat's perspective. An odd and distracting addition and unfortunately this feline POV didn't give readers any extra information that we weren't able to gain from Misty.
The mystery takes a bit to get going, but the story has a quaint feel, a few not-quite-quirky locals, a possible love interest and a few suspects with varying degrees of culpability. The ever-so-brief tidbits of banter between Misty and Rocky were well done but I wish there were more! Like most cozy mysteries, this is a good pick for readers who prefer 'cleaner' reads (aka no sex, cursing or violence - besides a murder, of course).
I pick up a cozy mystery for its quaintness, a good whodunnit and quirky characters. This book has good atmosphere and a gaggle of culprits, but could have used a bit more tension and less time in Misty's head
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to St Martin's Press for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 2, 2021
Getaway with Murder is the first book in the new Mountain Lodge Mystery series by author Diane Kelly. I thought this was a solid start to a new series and an easy read. I liked Misty, the main character. She is relatable because she is close to my age in real life which I enjoyed. She is starting over after a divorce by purchasing a mountain lodge she has visited since childhood. I really liked the setting. There is a solid cast of secondary characters including a potential love interest for Misty down the road.
The mystery was not bad. However, the murder doesn't happen until almost 1/2 way into the book. Normally, by that point, the reader would have a good idea about why the victim was not liked and possible motives for murder. In this case, all we know of the victim is that she is shallow and superficial which for me is not enough reason for murder. The author does give the reader plenty of suspects to choose from but without really knowing the victim it is hard to pin down why any of these people would want the victim dead. In the end, I did not guess the identity of the killer, and I found this person's reason to be as superficial as the victim. I did like how the killer accomplished carrying out the murder without getting caught until the end when Misty has an epiphany.
I think this series has a lot of potential and would be interested in seeing where the author takes the series in the next book.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The mystery was not bad. However, the murder doesn't happen until almost 1/2 way into the book. Normally, by that point, the reader would have a good idea about why the victim was not liked and possible motives for murder. In this case, all we know of the victim is that she is shallow and superficial which for me is not enough reason for murder. The author does give the reader plenty of suspects to choose from but without really knowing the victim it is hard to pin down why any of these people would want the victim dead. In the end, I did not guess the identity of the killer, and I found this person's reason to be as superficial as the victim. I did like how the killer accomplished carrying out the murder without getting caught until the end when Misty has an epiphany.
I think this series has a lot of potential and would be interested in seeing where the author takes the series in the next book.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
April 20, 2025
Wonderful setting for a good mystery
October 30, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Misty Murphy celebrates her 50th birthday in an unusual way. She signs divorce papers and moves to the inn she has purchased at the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While the inn needs a considerable amount of help, the divorce does not. She and her husband have parted amicably and remain friends.
After a misstep with one contractor, Misty meets Rocky Crowder. He gives her a bid for the work needed that won’t break her budget while adding a fantastic new space and even better he can start the work immediately.
Rocky’s speedy maintenance and construction and Misty’s new hire Brynn allow her to host a yoga retreat that fills every room for the whole week. But the week doesn’t go smoothly as the yogi instructor is found murdered. This isn’t good for Misty or her business. She didn’t know she was going to have to add detective to her innkeeper skills but with the yogis set to leave in just a few days, she is going to have to catch a killer before the bus arrives to take them back down the mountain or die trying.
I really enjoyed this story.
It is so great to have a protagonist leave a marriage and both parties are happy and remain friends both for themselves and the college-age sons. There is no tension and no animosity. In fact, her husband sends her a wonderful gift and offers his help after the murder. This all means Misty Murphy is comfortable in her own skin and ready to take on the huge venture she has ahead of her.
I also am very happy with Rocky Crowder, like Misty, he has grown children he spends time with but his wife is out of the picture. This leads he and Misty to make an unusual arrangement that works for both of them with the promise of their relationship growing in interesting ways.
Misty’s assistant Brynn is more of a wild card as she didn’t reveal some things about herself during the interview. Misty also makes quick friends with the diner owner, Patty, across the parking lot.
All these characters are believable and well fleshed out for the first book in the series. Misty has a connection to the inn from her childhood too which makes her huge move and purchase very understandable.
The guests are a diverse group and barring that someone traveled literally over hill and dale to kill Sasha Ducharme Carlisle one of them is a killer. So Misty has access to all the suspects and the rooms in which they are staying. I enjoyed the way she handled her investigation by getting to know her guests. She took part in some of the yoga sessions and observed them during breakfast and their downtimes in the evening. At one point, I took a little break to formulate my own suspect list more formally because I was as in the dark as Misty and the police. The author was very tricky. She gave an excellent clue to the culprit that I totally dismissed.
Diane Kelly really took her time describing the location of this inn including Misty’s trek up the mountain, and when the guests took a hike. I loved that. She painted wonderful pictures of the area for someone like me that has never had the pleasure of traveling the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Another element that I really enjoyed was that Misty has a cat named Yeti and Yeti gets to pen some short chapters from his point of view. Knowing what a cat is truly thinking is never really possible but the author really captured this cat’s catitude really well. They are also good for a chuckle or two.
Getaway with Murder was such a captivating mystery. I had a hard time putting it down when I had to close my eyes to sleep. I did that one more chapter thing until my Kindle fell to the floor as my eyes slid shut and my hand let it go. The next day I hurried through my work so I could get back to it.
This book has everything I look for in a Perfect Escape – Strong characters that are easy to become invested in, a setting I loved to visit and want to visit again and again, and a mystery that tests me by being well-plotted.
I am excited about this series. The author needs to tread carefully because while an inn brings in a new set of guests for each installment, she can’t kill too many people on the premises because tourists will not want to stay there. It will be fun seeing how the series continues.
Misty Murphy celebrates her 50th birthday in an unusual way. She signs divorce papers and moves to the inn she has purchased at the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While the inn needs a considerable amount of help, the divorce does not. She and her husband have parted amicably and remain friends.
After a misstep with one contractor, Misty meets Rocky Crowder. He gives her a bid for the work needed that won’t break her budget while adding a fantastic new space and even better he can start the work immediately.
Rocky’s speedy maintenance and construction and Misty’s new hire Brynn allow her to host a yoga retreat that fills every room for the whole week. But the week doesn’t go smoothly as the yogi instructor is found murdered. This isn’t good for Misty or her business. She didn’t know she was going to have to add detective to her innkeeper skills but with the yogis set to leave in just a few days, she is going to have to catch a killer before the bus arrives to take them back down the mountain or die trying.
I really enjoyed this story.
It is so great to have a protagonist leave a marriage and both parties are happy and remain friends both for themselves and the college-age sons. There is no tension and no animosity. In fact, her husband sends her a wonderful gift and offers his help after the murder. This all means Misty Murphy is comfortable in her own skin and ready to take on the huge venture she has ahead of her.
I also am very happy with Rocky Crowder, like Misty, he has grown children he spends time with but his wife is out of the picture. This leads he and Misty to make an unusual arrangement that works for both of them with the promise of their relationship growing in interesting ways.
Misty’s assistant Brynn is more of a wild card as she didn’t reveal some things about herself during the interview. Misty also makes quick friends with the diner owner, Patty, across the parking lot.
All these characters are believable and well fleshed out for the first book in the series. Misty has a connection to the inn from her childhood too which makes her huge move and purchase very understandable.
The guests are a diverse group and barring that someone traveled literally over hill and dale to kill Sasha Ducharme Carlisle one of them is a killer. So Misty has access to all the suspects and the rooms in which they are staying. I enjoyed the way she handled her investigation by getting to know her guests. She took part in some of the yoga sessions and observed them during breakfast and their downtimes in the evening. At one point, I took a little break to formulate my own suspect list more formally because I was as in the dark as Misty and the police. The author was very tricky. She gave an excellent clue to the culprit that I totally dismissed.
Diane Kelly really took her time describing the location of this inn including Misty’s trek up the mountain, and when the guests took a hike. I loved that. She painted wonderful pictures of the area for someone like me that has never had the pleasure of traveling the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Another element that I really enjoyed was that Misty has a cat named Yeti and Yeti gets to pen some short chapters from his point of view. Knowing what a cat is truly thinking is never really possible but the author really captured this cat’s catitude really well. They are also good for a chuckle or two.
Getaway with Murder was such a captivating mystery. I had a hard time putting it down when I had to close my eyes to sleep. I did that one more chapter thing until my Kindle fell to the floor as my eyes slid shut and my hand let it go. The next day I hurried through my work so I could get back to it.
This book has everything I look for in a Perfect Escape – Strong characters that are easy to become invested in, a setting I loved to visit and want to visit again and again, and a mystery that tests me by being well-plotted.
I am excited about this series. The author needs to tread carefully because while an inn brings in a new set of guests for each installment, she can’t kill too many people on the premises because tourists will not want to stay there. It will be fun seeing how the series continues.
September 9, 2021
I had a great time reading this first in a new series.
When Misty trades her husband for a lodge, she's ready to start the next chapter of her life.
With her lodge full for a yoga retreat, things are looking up, until an arrogant guest becomes a murder victim.
Hopefully Misty will be able to figure things out before it's too late.
When Misty trades her husband for a lodge, she's ready to start the next chapter of her life.
With her lodge full for a yoga retreat, things are looking up, until an arrogant guest becomes a murder victim.
Hopefully Misty will be able to figure things out before it's too late.
December 16, 2021
I'm usually more of a fan of beach settings, but I love Diane's books and this was no exception. I read this in two days and it was hard to put down. I really enjoyed the mystery and didn't figure out the killer until the end. It's refreshing to have a main character who is still friends with her ex instead of the ex being a cheating, lying sleazebag. Fun story!
June 9, 2022
Great book with fun characters. I loved the lodge and setting. I’m looking forward to this series continuing.
November 8, 2021
Getaway With Murder is a strong entry in a new series. I fell in love with the main character, Misty, almost from the first page. The other cast of characters will steal hearts, and the mountain top Inn will keep readers wanting to know more. You couldn’t ask for a better location for a murder, and the small-town location high in the Blue Ridge Mountains makes the series stand out among others of its kind.
Misty uses her divorce settlement to buy an old run-down inn that she loved from family visits as she grew up and her children enjoyed. She didn’t realize how much she would need to fix a few hidden issues, but when they spring out of nowhere on her first night, she almost panics and runs away. Misty is determined to make her business hopes come true; repairs are just power for the course. Luckily, she meets Rocky Crowder, who saves her mountain top dream and her pocketbook. With the repairs completed just in time for her first guests to check-in, she is beginning to feel that everything will work out. Unfortunately, the murder of a guest almost puts her out of business before the ink dries on the registry.
The suspects are mainly guests at the Inn, students, and friends of the victim. But what appears to be innocent bystanders soon turns into a lesson in what you see is not always what you get. Misty realizes quickly that she has to find the killer and solve the case before her Inn becomes nothing more than a bitter-sweet memory.
Clues are peppered throughout the story, suspects change almost from one page to the next, and readers may find that they aren’t sure who the killer is until the very end. The supporting cast of characters warm the heart and leave readers wanting to learn more about their backstories. The Inn is described lovingly and reminds me of a few I spent my childhood in with my parents. All of this is what makes Getaway With Murder a delightful mystery and keeps readers reading. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Misty uses her divorce settlement to buy an old run-down inn that she loved from family visits as she grew up and her children enjoyed. She didn’t realize how much she would need to fix a few hidden issues, but when they spring out of nowhere on her first night, she almost panics and runs away. Misty is determined to make her business hopes come true; repairs are just power for the course. Luckily, she meets Rocky Crowder, who saves her mountain top dream and her pocketbook. With the repairs completed just in time for her first guests to check-in, she is beginning to feel that everything will work out. Unfortunately, the murder of a guest almost puts her out of business before the ink dries on the registry.
The suspects are mainly guests at the Inn, students, and friends of the victim. But what appears to be innocent bystanders soon turns into a lesson in what you see is not always what you get. Misty realizes quickly that she has to find the killer and solve the case before her Inn becomes nothing more than a bitter-sweet memory.
Clues are peppered throughout the story, suspects change almost from one page to the next, and readers may find that they aren’t sure who the killer is until the very end. The supporting cast of characters warm the heart and leave readers wanting to learn more about their backstories. The Inn is described lovingly and reminds me of a few I spent my childhood in with my parents. All of this is what makes Getaway With Murder a delightful mystery and keeps readers reading. I can’t wait for the next installment.
December 15, 2021
This was a fun book to read! I enjoyed it from start to finish. Misty Murphy has turned 50, amicably divorced her husband, and has purchased a slightly run-down mountain retreat hotel. If that's not enough, someone ends up dead!
Each of the characters is easy to imagine and fun to read about. The story moves along quickly. I loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Paperbacks for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
Each of the characters is easy to imagine and fun to read about. The story moves along quickly. I loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Paperbacks for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
October 14, 2022
Misty Murphy’s life is about to change completely. As she turns 50, her marriage ends and her two adult sons are away at college. Misty needs to do something to make life interesting. She purchases an old mountain lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She has no idea just how interesting things were about to get.
With the help of a local handyman, she fixes up the lodge and opens for business. Her first customers are a group on a yoga retreat. Everything is going great until the yoga instructor is found dead. Now Misty is determined to find a killer before her lodge is shut down. Not to mention that the idea of a killer running around her inn is more than a little unsettling.
This is the first book in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series. It’s off to an exciting start. It’s a fast-paced whodunit that kept me on my toes. The author tossed in many twists and turns. It kept me guessing until the very end.
I loved the main characters right away. They jumped right out of the pages. The supporting cast are quirky and fun. I’ve never been to the Blue Ridge Mountains but the author made me feel as if I was there. The lodge is the perfect setting for a cozy mystery.
I’ve read a few other series by this author and I’ve always enjoyed her writing. This book is no exception. I’m looking forward to the next in this series.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
With the help of a local handyman, she fixes up the lodge and opens for business. Her first customers are a group on a yoga retreat. Everything is going great until the yoga instructor is found dead. Now Misty is determined to find a killer before her lodge is shut down. Not to mention that the idea of a killer running around her inn is more than a little unsettling.
This is the first book in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series. It’s off to an exciting start. It’s a fast-paced whodunit that kept me on my toes. The author tossed in many twists and turns. It kept me guessing until the very end.
I loved the main characters right away. They jumped right out of the pages. The supporting cast are quirky and fun. I’ve never been to the Blue Ridge Mountains but the author made me feel as if I was there. The lodge is the perfect setting for a cozy mystery.
I’ve read a few other series by this author and I’ve always enjoyed her writing. This book is no exception. I’m looking forward to the next in this series.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 16, 2021
Starting the next chapter of your life in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. What could possibly go wrong? I loved the storyline of this book. The characters are wonderful. They are definitely a mix of personalities. I loved hearing all of Yeti’s thoughts. Misty, Rocky, and Brynn, they’ve got it under control. Who wouldn’t want to eat at the Greasy Griddle especially when Patty comes with it? Love “hole-in-the-wall” places to eat and that what this reminds me of. They usually have the best food around. Yoga folks might be laid back, but I can’t wait to find out about some biker chicks. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
September 3, 2021
Getaway With Murder by Diane Kelly is a great cozy mystery and it is the first in a new,, and promising series: Mountain Lodge Mystery.
I really enjoyed the concept of a second go of life for 50 y/o Misty Murphy and her newly invested mountain lodge in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains.
We get to meet the wonderful cast of characters, become established with the foundations of the series, and also are treated with an engaging murder/mystery.
I enjoyed the dialogue, pacing, and Yeti is cute. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
I really enjoyed the concept of a second go of life for 50 y/o Misty Murphy and her newly invested mountain lodge in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains.
We get to meet the wonderful cast of characters, become established with the foundations of the series, and also are treated with an engaging murder/mystery.
I enjoyed the dialogue, pacing, and Yeti is cute. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
May 20, 2022
I really liked Misty, and I think there is something so appealing to starting over somewhere. Owning a lodge can be a big project, but I love that it was where her heart was at. I liked that she did the "detective" work without being stupid & risky.
I cannot say enough good about this book, I will be looking forward to book 2!
This was a great start to a new series!!! A lodge in the woods sounds like a perfect vacation to me. The writing was good as was the mystery. Definitely check this one out!!
I cannot say enough good about this book, I will be looking forward to book 2!
This was a great start to a new series!!! A lodge in the woods sounds like a perfect vacation to me. The writing was good as was the mystery. Definitely check this one out!!
November 17, 2021
What an awesome start to a new series! I loved every minute of the story. It kept me guessing what would happen next. Looking forward to the next book.
September 12, 2021
I loved this book!
This contemporary cozy has a well crafted who-dun-it, with plenty of suspects with good reasons to off the victim. The main character is a middle aged freshly divorced mother, one with an empty nest. She has a good relationship with her ex, showing a strong character, Misty had bought an inn with the settlement of her divorce and is determined to make it a good living. She has a rocky start, but with the advice from another business owner, turns the lemons into lemonade and gets a full booking shortly thereafter.
The clients are a varied group and add interest to the mix. Her newest employee gives her pause, because she’s not as forthcoming as she’d like, but is excellent at her job. She is as intrigued by her handyman as he is with her, and together the pair investigate everyone...until she gets a brainstorm and solves it.
I’ve always enjoyed Ms. Kelly, but I think this is the best yet. I received an ARC gratis from NetGalley and offer my opinion freely.
This contemporary cozy has a well crafted who-dun-it, with plenty of suspects with good reasons to off the victim. The main character is a middle aged freshly divorced mother, one with an empty nest. She has a good relationship with her ex, showing a strong character, Misty had bought an inn with the settlement of her divorce and is determined to make it a good living. She has a rocky start, but with the advice from another business owner, turns the lemons into lemonade and gets a full booking shortly thereafter.
The clients are a varied group and add interest to the mix. Her newest employee gives her pause, because she’s not as forthcoming as she’d like, but is excellent at her job. She is as intrigued by her handyman as he is with her, and together the pair investigate everyone...until she gets a brainstorm and solves it.
I’ve always enjoyed Ms. Kelly, but I think this is the best yet. I received an ARC gratis from NetGalley and offer my opinion freely.
September 11, 2021
Misty has, at 50, decided to divest herself of her husband and acquire a lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This, despite her lack of experience or education in the hospitality industry, seems to be trending toward success until the leader of a yoga group is found dead on the property. Along with the predictable hunky handyman named Rocky, Misty investigates to clear the lodge and keep anyone else from ending up in corpse pose.
It was okay. Misty is likeable enough, but a lot of the story seemed improbable and just added either because it was expected or because it was necessary to force the plot. Misty gets divorced at midlife, check. She buys a lodge to reinvent her life, check. The lodge is by a diner that, despite being miles from other businesses, enjoys a good amount of business. That's pretty convenient. The hunky handyman ends up moving into one of the spare rooms because his house is overcrowded. This gives them opportunities to flirt. Check.
The murderer is someone you won't expect, and much like Misty's reasons for ditching her husband, the murderer's reasons don't really make sense or seem strong enough to warrant their actions.
But I think the most unlikely thing for me was that, despite the fact that Misty had decades of memories of having visited the lodge with her family, she only was reminded of her husband once. Also, she seems to have divorced her kids, too. There's no mention of her contacting either her ex or her two sons until the murder occurs, and then she just texts them. Maybe it's just me, but that really didn't seem realistic to me.
It's not a bad book, it's just not my cup of tea, and I don't think I'll be visiting the lodge again.
2.5 out of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
It was okay. Misty is likeable enough, but a lot of the story seemed improbable and just added either because it was expected or because it was necessary to force the plot. Misty gets divorced at midlife, check. She buys a lodge to reinvent her life, check. The lodge is by a diner that, despite being miles from other businesses, enjoys a good amount of business. That's pretty convenient. The hunky handyman ends up moving into one of the spare rooms because his house is overcrowded. This gives them opportunities to flirt. Check.
The murderer is someone you won't expect, and much like Misty's reasons for ditching her husband, the murderer's reasons don't really make sense or seem strong enough to warrant their actions.
But I think the most unlikely thing for me was that, despite the fact that Misty had decades of memories of having visited the lodge with her family, she only was reminded of her husband once. Also, she seems to have divorced her kids, too. There's no mention of her contacting either her ex or her two sons until the murder occurs, and then she just texts them. Maybe it's just me, but that really didn't seem realistic to me.
It's not a bad book, it's just not my cup of tea, and I don't think I'll be visiting the lodge again.
2.5 out of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 11, 2021
The characters are particularly well drawn and the sleuthing is pretty good. The publisher's blurb is a pretty good hook, so I won't go over that territory and spoilers are just rude. The red herrings were diabolical, but I didn't get the point of listening to random cat thoughts.
But I really liked it and hope for the next one to arrive.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
But I really liked it and hope for the next one to arrive.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
August 16, 2021
Diane Kelly hooks us with this first book in the series! She develops an enticing, verdant wilderness setting, establishes relatable main characters at a mountain lodge, and then creates an intriguing mystery with plenty of viable suspects to keep the reader guessing to the very end.
You can't help but root for the main character Misty, who is on her own for the first time in a long time after her divorce and running a lodge in the mountains. The typical divorced person trope found in cozy mysteries is refreshingly turned on its head, as both Misty and the handyman she hires, Rocky, ended their marriages amicably, not bitterly.
While the descriptions of the setting make the area come alive, I did find the frequent analysis of the subjects to be a bit repetitive in their details. However, overall this is an entertaining page-turner of a book. I look forward to future instalments in the series.
You can't help but root for the main character Misty, who is on her own for the first time in a long time after her divorce and running a lodge in the mountains. The typical divorced person trope found in cozy mysteries is refreshingly turned on its head, as both Misty and the handyman she hires, Rocky, ended their marriages amicably, not bitterly.
While the descriptions of the setting make the area come alive, I did find the frequent analysis of the subjects to be a bit repetitive in their details. However, overall this is an entertaining page-turner of a book. I look forward to future instalments in the series.
September 10, 2021
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by St. Martin’s Press and #NetGalley for my honest opinion.
A new cozy series that’s bound to.be a hit!
A new cozy series that’s bound to.be a hit!
September 28, 2021
This is the first in a new series by Diane Kelly and it was a treat!! It is also the first Diane Kelly book I have read and I look forward to reading her others! Misty Murphy, a recently divorced woman buys a lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains and renovates it before welcoming her first guests. The first half of the book sets up the series and introduces the handyman, Rocky who also lives at the lodge and the housekeeper as well as the owner of a restaurant across the street. I really enjoyed the plot of the book and the very engaging Misty. The murder of the yoga instructor took up the second half, a definite puzzle and locked room mystery. Ms. Kelly weaves a great mystery and I highly recommend this entry to cozy mystery lovers!
January 30, 2022
Misty Murphy decides to move to the mountains and remake her life.
She buys a mountain lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
She finds out it needed a bit more fixing up than she originally thought.
Handyman Rocky Crowder steps in to help at a reasonable price.
Then the Inn gets a group of yoga practitioners for a retreat.
Unfortunately the yoga instructor is found dead a few days later.
Misty has to help sort this out so that her reputation is not ruined for the inn and the killer doesn't get away with murder.
New cozy series that looks like fun!
She buys a mountain lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
She finds out it needed a bit more fixing up than she originally thought.
Handyman Rocky Crowder steps in to help at a reasonable price.
Then the Inn gets a group of yoga practitioners for a retreat.
Unfortunately the yoga instructor is found dead a few days later.
Misty has to help sort this out so that her reputation is not ruined for the inn and the killer doesn't get away with murder.
New cozy series that looks like fun!
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